The Elfin Cove Fuel Dock is the last reliable fuel stop before crossing the Gulf of Alaska toward Yakutat and beyond — or the first on the return run south. Operated by the Elfin Cove Fuel Co-op, this community-run dock supplies both gasoline and diesel to commercial fishing boats and cruising vessels, 85 nautical miles west of Juneau on the northern shore of Chichagof Island.
Elfin Cove sits in a flask-shaped natural harbour on the northwest tip of Chichagof Island, accessible only by small floatplane or boat. The community of roughly 20 year-round residents swells considerably in summer when the commercial salmon and halibut fleet arrives, and the fuel dock is the reason most transient vessels stop here at all.
The Elfin Cove Fuel Co-op operates the fuel dock and supplies both gasoline and diesel. It is a genuine community resource, not a resort fuel dock, and operates on a seasonal schedule tied to the fishing season, typically open from late May or early June through mid-September. Hours have historically run Monday through Saturday from approximately 11:00 to 17:00, though these can shift; confirm by calling 907-239-2208 or hailing on VHF 16. The dock does not take reservations and vessels should be prepared to raft alongside commercial boats.
The harbour is well protected and dredged to -8 feet in the inner basin, which holds roughly 47 vessels. There is no large marina infrastructure here; it is a working fishing harbour with open moorage floats. Freshwater is available at the floats in season. Showers and laundry are available in the village June through mid-September.
For passage-makers crossing to or from the west coast of Alaska, Elfin Cove is the logical fuel stop before committing to the offshore run to Yakutat (approximately 220 nautical miles) or Cape Fairweather. The harbour entrance is straightforward in good visibility but the approach from Icy Strait requires navigating through Cross Sound, which can be rough when a westerly swell is running. Plan your departure for a weather window; the National Weather Service forecast for Cross Sound and the Gulf of Alaska is essential.
There is no pump-out at Elfin Cove. Provisions are extremely limited; a small general store carries basic supplies. The nearest full reprovisioning is Hoonah (33 miles east) or Juneau (85 miles east). Cell coverage is unreliable; the Facebook page for Elfin Cove is sometimes the best source for current fuel dock hours before you leave Juneau or Hoonah.
Fuel and shore power available at Elfin Cove Fuel Dock.
Laundry, groceries, a patch of grass for the dog, the nearest decent meal — here's what's within reach of Elfin Cove Fuel Dock. Tap any pin on the map for the details.
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If Elfin Cove Fuel Dock is full or you are weighing options, here is the closest moorage — sorted by distance.
